What is scabies as UK doctors report 'nightmare' surge in condition?

Scabies infections in the UK are surging at a "nightmare" rate and pose a serious risk to public health, medical professionals have said.

Dermatologists are reportedly worried about the situation because they are finding it difficult to treat patients quickly enough to prevent the illness from spreading.

According to the Guardian, general practitioners (GPs) in the north of England have seen twice as many cases in November as usual — and this trend is threatening to continue in the new year.

Two students at Central Saint Martins in London were in November believed to have come into contact with tainted cloth and subsequently contracted scabies

The university in Granary Square, King’s Cross, closed four studios and undertook a deep clean of these and a fabric room.

So what is scabies, what are the symptoms, and what should you do if you suspect you have it?

What is scabies?

Scabies is a contagious skin infestation caused by a tiny mite called Sarcoptes scabiei. These microscopic mites burrow into the outer layer of the skin, where they lay eggs and cause intense itching.

The female mites typically burrow into the skin to create tunnels where they lay their eggs. The hatched larvae then travel to the skin's surface, where they mature into adult mites and can spread to other areas of the body or other people through close physical contact.

What are the symptoms of scabies?

According to the NHS, the rash from scabies typically covers the entire body, excluding the head and neck. Skin under the arms, between fingers, around wrists, around the waist, groin, and bottom are frequently affected.

Rashes can also appear on the head, neck, palms, and soles of the feet in elderly adults and young children.

An extremely rare and highly contagious form of scabies known as crusted scabies can occasionally affect people with compromised immune systems. A crusty, flaky rash that frequently affects the elbows, knees, hands, and feet is the primary symptom.

The rash will be very itchy.

What to do if you suspect you have scabies

Although scabies is usually not a serious condition, treatment is nevertheless necessary.

A chemist will suggest a body lotion or cream that you should use all over your body. It's crucial to thoroughly read the directions. Inform the chemist if you are expecting or nursing a baby.

One week later, you will need to repeat the therapy.

On the first day of treatment, wash every article of clothing and bedding in the house at 60 degrees Celsius or more, preferably in a hot dryer.

Wear items of clothes that can't be cleaned for three days, or until the mites die, in a sealed bag.

Although the rash may not emerge for up to eight weeks, scabies is a very contagious disease. Everyone you've had sex with in the previous eight weeks needs to get treatment as well.

Even if no one in your home exhibits symptoms, they should all receive treatment at the same time. However, children under the age of two should not use over-the-counter medications; instead, they should consult a doctor.

Twenty-four hours following the initial treatment, you or your child can return to work or school.

Even though the treatment will swiftly eliminate the scabies mites, the itching may persist for several weeks.